The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Ghana has unveiled a 20-player squad of the amputee national team, Black Challenge, to begin camping as Ghana steps up preparations for the 2026 (World Amputtee Football Federation) WAFF Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico in less than two months.
The team which began non-residential camping under head coach Richard Stephen Obeng two weeks ago, is made up of three goalkeepers and 17 outfield players, blending local talent with professionals based in Türkiye.
The final squad will be trimmed to 15 before the Black Challenge depart for San Juan de los Lagos, where the tournament runs from November 13 to 22.
Ghana have been drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Colombia and Iraq. Angola, the 2018 world champions and 2022 runners-up, provide a demanding opponent, while Colombia and Iraq add international variety.
Unveiling the squad at a short ceremony in Accra earlier today, Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams praised the players for their sacrifice, commitment, determination and commended their African championships triimphs.
He pointed out that corruption often destroys the hard work of players directly involved, saying measures are needed to curb it. The MP for Buem also emphasized the inclusion of all disability sports in the national agenda.
Mr Adams noted that Government alone cannot fund all activities, and that private and individual support can always augment state efforts. He appealed for judicious expenses to ensure a diversion of some funds to other disciplines.
He further commended Goldfields Ghana for their $500,000 commitment to amputee football and advised for prudent use, whiles urging prompt release of funds to enhance the team’s preparations.
“I agree that we need to invest in and take every sport serious, I interacted with them last week and clearly the players and coach are very determined. I understand the preparations and difficulties they are facing ahead of the World Cup,” Mr Adams said.
“This team has served Ghana very well, their achievements should make every Ghanaian proud. The recognition and support does not match the effort and sacrifice they put in, Ghana must learn to stand with you and appreciate your contributions,” he added.
The Black Challenge enter Mexico with a continental pedigree. They won the African title in Tanzania in 2021, defeating Liberia 3-2, claimed gold at the inaugural African Para Games in Accra in 2023 with a 2-1 victory over Morocco, and retained the African crown in Cairo in 2024, again beating Morocco 2-1.
That triumph secured Ghana’s World Cup qualification along with six other African countries in the 24-nation global spectacle.
NPC Ghana President Samson Deen called for government, corporate Ghana and individual support, stressing that para sports can provide disabled athletes with livelihoods rather than leaving them dependent on street begging.
A strong advocate for inclusion, non-discrimination and creating opportunities, his position is that investment in para sports can create opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Deen appealed to President Mahama for payment of outstanding bonuses and per diems of the players dating back to since the Afcon triumph in 2021, and for provision to be made for at least 5% of Black Stars budget for amputee football.
He revealed a plan for the team to undergo a training camp in Turkey ahead of the World Cup, and announced an allowance package of Gh¢10,000 for each player and Gh¢5,000 for each coach.
“We ask Ghana to stand behind these players as they prepare for the World Cup. They deserve more than we are giving to them, they deserve recognition because they represent Ghana. We believe in them,” Mr Deen said.
Coach Obeng meanwhile expressed appreciation for the national support at the unveiling ceremony and said the target in Mexico is to win gold, and believes that with adequate backing, the Black Challenge can compete for the prize.
With the World Cup less than two months away, Monday’s unveiling marks a vital stage in preparations.
Camping, travel, equipment and participation needs will require backing as Ghana seeks to turn continental success into a global breakthrough.
